CLOSING OUT THE OLD YEAR

I have been in a quandary this holiday season, wondering what to say as I close out the holiday season and 2010. Hoping for inspiration, I visited large stores and small shops watching children's faces. I looked into the faces of people I passed on the street and in upscale restaurants and local coffee shops. It seemed to me that excitement and anticipation was missing from the faces I did see.

My dilemma was resolved by a letter from friends on the East Coast. The letter contained family news, pictures of their beautiful children and grandchildren, and a favorite quote from Antoine de St-Exupery, author of"The Little Prince," which I extend now to you for a good 2011.

"You'll be bothered from time to time by storms, fog, snow.
When you are, think of those who went through it before you
and say to yourself, 'What they could do,I can do.'"

ABUSED ANIMALS & OURSELVES

The Humane Society always conjured for me a place to care for small animals who had been abused or abandoned. But here The Missouri Humane Society cares for large animals who are neglected at Long Meadows Rescue Ranch about 100 miles West of St.Louis. I learned of the Ranch through my granddaughter, a lover of all things equestrian who is a volunteer there.

The Ranch sits on 165 acres of rolling Missouri countryside. In 1988, The Society purchased the land with a bequest from George Packwood, Jr.,a long time supporter and owner of the Calgon Soap Corporation. Since the time it was established, Long Meadows has become one of the country's most comprehensive horse and farm animal rehabilitation Centers. The Ranch's mission is to make Missouri a safer, healthier place for all animals. It seems to be doing just that not only with the horses it cares for but with all of the barn yard animals I saw there as well.

It is always a wonder to me, that people engage in abuse of any kind as it belittles all we are and can be as human beings.

PLANNING OR LAND GRAB?

Labadie Missouri is a small town located about an hour's drive west of St. Louis. It is tucked into hills and mountains close by the Missouri River which provides rich, bottom land for farming and spectacular scenery.

Recently, I went there to speak with a small, dedicated group of people who were protesting AmerenUE, the utility company's plan to build a 400 acre landfill to store questionable toxic wastes. Since the 90s the company has been quietly purchasing farm land and has acquired 1100 acres upon which it wants to put the land fill. It wasn't until recently the community became aware of what was happening.

Even though Labadie is located in a County which does not allow storage of toxic wastes in a flood plane, the Company and elected officials are pushing for a quick acceptance of the utility's plan for expansion.

As I left the group, I wondered at the cost we pay as we allow any interest, political or corporate to despoil farmland, disregard flood plain ordinances and laws, and surreptitiously draw up plans without citizen input?

NOT LIKE THE PURITANS?

I spent Thanksgiving week in Washington, D.C. with my son and other family and friends who live there. The City, so often vilified by those who live elsewhere, has always fascinated me. The united majesty of the Capitol, the awesome Supreme Court,the keeper of our treasures the Smithsonian, the powerful Lincoln Memorial, and the simplicity of the FDR Memorial still are inspiring to me.

I have visited the Capitol before as a student. I worked there at the beginning of my career. I marched there as a woman with two sons to protest our tolerance of the reckless use of guns. This time I walked on the National Mall with other visitors simply to enjoy places that chronicle our nation's brief history. I was delighted by the City's restaurants offering food from Asia, the Middle East, Ireland, Greece, Italy, Spain, English tea in the Smithsonian and a hot dog from a sidewalk vendor.

We celebrated Thanksgiving with the prerequisite turkey, sweet potatoes and apple pie - all delicious enough to rate second helpings. Blessings over the food were offered in English and Hebrew. As I looked around our table, I realized how unlike the Puritans we were. We were spouses, ex spouses, step sisters and brothers, siblings, significant others, all holding different political beliefs.

Not like the Puritans for sure! Then again, not like many other countries. The trip to Washington reminded me, I would not want to return to Puritanical ways.

AFTER THE ELECTION WAS OVER

I have been through quite a few elections in my time. Sometimes, the results produced euphoria, while others were a dissapointment. This time around, the results of the Election of 2010 produced a sense of foreboding which is unusual for me. It wasn't until I read a small letter published in today's New York Times that I realized why my heart was so heavy.

The letter's author, Francesca Mihok of Vermont, uses a quote from one of our country's founders, John Adams. Adams is purported to have said, "...I fear that in every Assembly, members obtain influence by noise not sense. By meanness not greatness. By ignorance not learning. By contracted hearts not large souls..."

The quote does little to change the foreboding I feel, but it does explain for me, our current political reality.

NOVEMBER ELECTIONS 'N ME

Beverly's Notebook blog was started to keep in touch with a wide circle of family and friends. It goes to people in New England, in the East, South, mid West, Missouri and on the coast, as well as in England, Paris and Denmark. Readers are members of the Democratic and Republican parties. Included are Independents, Libertarians, members of the Tea Party, and a few Daughters of The American Revolution. Many are passionate about their political beliefs.

I would like to stay out of the political morass we are in, but I cannot do so. The discourse in our country at this time, is disquieting. It is hateful, and tears down institutions and people who have served our communities and nation well. As a result, I share with all of you who, along with me, are heirs of immigrants, something that my grandmother and parents reminded me of often. "Life is a constant fight that needs to be fought rationally and with passion for the truth."

In spite of plans that may have been less than adequate to meet the mess we are in, in spite of administrative judgement and appointments that I found troublesome, I will go the polls remembering words from the past that will help gain a more equitable, sustainable future for this country, my grandchildren and me. I will vote for the Democrats in November.

REASON & EDUCATION VILIFIED?

We live in a time when it seems plausible to vilify reason, education, research, and science. They are mistrusted and accused of not being able to relate to the "real world." I wonder? Is it easier to vilify new questions and findings rather than understand the challenges of our changing world? I may soon learn the answer.

I am planning a series for Washington University's College, of Arts and Sciences, Life Long Learning Institute on "The Politics and Science of Environmental Policy." The speakers who will help us consider some of those challenges are listed below.

ROBERT A POLLAK*,"Genetics and Endangered Species";
ANDREW R REHFELD*,"The 'Public Good' And The Environment";
DEBORAH CHOLLET FRANK, MO Botanical Garden,"Sustainability in The Garden";
BRUCE MORRISON,Great Rivers Environmental Law Center, "Protecting Flood Plains: Using the Courts"; BILLY HANDMAKER,Crossroads College Preparatory School, "Converting to The Green School"; LOIS SECHRIST, Sechrist Sustainable Consulting, "Introduction to Sustainability"; RABBI MARK FASMAN, Shaare Zedek Synagogue, "Judaism and Ecology"; DIANE B HERNDON, Monsanto Environmental Program, "Growing Food Sustainably: The Monsanto Challenge";
ALAN R TEMPLETON*, "Relating Human Genome to Endangered Species"; BROTHER MAURICE LANE, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Help, "Religious Environmental Advocacy."

*Washington University in St. Louis, College of Arts and Sciences.

THE LADY SURPRISES US!

We expected her later, but she surprised us with a visit just a few days ago. Surprised us too because she arrived without any thunderous pronouncements but on a gentle breeze.

Just a glimpse of her and our steps were lighter, our days energized. Her presence brings a wonderful interlude after weeks of unbearable extremes.

Beloved as she is, she will leave soon and then return once again. She whispers before she goes, "Next time, I will bring color and stay awhile."

WHAT PRICE BIGOTRY?

When I hear about the immigration "problem" I think of my grandparents and why they came to this country so many years ago. Speaking a different language, dressed "funny," traveling with children, some infants, they came in steerage across an ocean, leaving their families behind. They came to make a better life for themselves and not even the fear of being denied entry here stopped them.

They and their children became citizens who became business people some of whom were successful, some not, and some worked for others. From this humble beginning, 6 generations of families now include doctors, lawyers, writers, scholars, educators, photographers, artists, publishers, charitable benefactors, and religious leaders.

In many ways, members of our family have contributed in large and small ways to our country in return for the opportunities accorded us. Even so, individually and collectively we have experienced bigotry and meanness without cause or reason. How unfortunate for all us, family and strangers alike, that we are living once again through a time of bigotry and meanness.

I wonder what price do we pay as individuals or country for bigotry?

CITY PARKS AND COLD BISQUE

St. Louis, Philadelphia and Paris remind me of each other. All three have long, gracious boulevards that are intercepted by streets from unique neighborhoods. Each has large, well known city parks and gardens. Enjoyable too in each is the surprise of finding a small city park in an unlikely place.

City Park here in St. Louis is such an oasis. It spans just two blocks and is nestled between staid government buildings and modern towers. Opened last year, the Garden displays modern and classic sculpture and fountains. Plantings honor Missouri's native foliage and represent the outline of the Mississippi River.

New this year is The Terrace View Restaurant which overlooks the Garden and the structures which surround it. Visiting there recently, we ordered a cold Bell Pepper and Tomato Bisque which helped, along with the sounds of people splashing in the fountains, overcome the uncomfortable hot afternoon.

SLOW DOWN! IT'S CHINA!

Every once in a while, I use a high tech shop for special printing jobs. The manager is a gracious, skilled manager from China. She has lived in this country many years but does go back to China to visit family. She was there recently. When asked what she thought of the modernization of China, she told me, "It is different, different than here."

She claimed that in China, placing an order for anything requires time to hold conversation and ask questions. "How will the product be used? What is its purpose? Who will use it? Here, people come in and just say, do this!" To me, the difference she was describing sounded like the great cultural divide between East and West.

Here we want as little conversation and few steps to get something done quickly. While in the East, time is taken to understand what needs to be done and why. When I left the shop I realized that I had taken the time for conversation I might not have had otherwise. I had slowed down!

HOT IS HOT!

Many native St. Louians are saying, I've lived in St. Louis all my life and we've never sustained this kind of heat for so long a period of time. Today, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch printed a graph by the National Weather Service that made me wonder.

In 1936, temperatures of 100 degrees or more were sustained here for 37 days. Yet, last year and the year before, we experienced only six days of sustained heat. This year, a good part of the country if not the world, is experiencing weather of more than a 100 degrees sustained day after day. It is hard to remember a time when people had no fans or air conditioners, unfortunately some still don't have either, as we are told to take precautions against the heat. But I do wonder how personal discomfort squares with history?

Whatever, it is hot!

POOL THERAPY AND THE AMA

My apartment building has a rooftop pool which is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The sun beats down on it all day. Recently, a sign was posted in our lobby informing us that the pool would be closed for two days for "Pool Therapy."

I was curious as to what Pool Therapy Meant. The life guard told me because of the summer heat, algae had formed at the bottom of the pool. The Therapy refers to scrubbing algae off the pool bottom with a long brush and some chemicals. When I went on line to learn more about the product used all I found was the product's name and order forms.

I have friends with in ground and above ground pools and a few with man-made ponds where they raise exotic fish. All speak about requirements for cleaning the water and surrounding area. None talked about the need for therapy sessions.

I guess it was merchandising mavens who decided to call ordinary cleaning and maintenance of pools, "Therapy Sessions." Wonder what the AMA thinks of this?

SPECIES, HUMAN AND OTHERWISE AND OIL

Just to look at the map which shows the length of pipeline that carries oil from
Griffith, Indiana to Sarnia, Ontario is enough to make one wonder at the arrogance of our species.

Just to read the account of how the oil spill in Michigan was discovered makes one concerned about how well we monitor and maintain oil drilling and oil delivery systems. It was people living in small communities along the Kalamazoo River who first smelled the noxious odor of gas and oil, not "internal pipeline inspection tools." It was people who first noticed the water's discoloration and oil soaked plants along river banks who knew something was wrong.

Just to hear companies promise "to make things right again," makes a mockery of our good sense as they pour disbursements to clear the oil from sight even as they poison sea life in our food chain.

We cannot undo that which is done, but we can become more aware of how much all species depend on each other. As a species, we need to respect our limitations, question promises that are less than authentic and recognize our responsibility for and toward other species.

VOTING NO, YES, HERE IN MISSOURI

On Tuesday, August 3, Missouri citizens will vote for candidates for local, state and federal offices and two important Referendums.

In predictable political hocuspocus fashion, Proposition "C" offers two different questions, but allows voters one answer for both. It deals with the recently passed health care reform law which requires people who can afford it to buy into the program or pay a penalty. So Missouri Legislators, long known for their contrariness came up with their own referendum to nullify Federal Law. Missouri's Referandam is based on ideology which could result in throwing the baby out with the bath water. Nope, I won't be fooled by breezy campaigns. I'll pull the "NO" lever hard.

Proposition "S" deals with a Bond Issue to replace and repair needed equipment and facilities in St. Louis 74 Public Schools. I will vote yes on "S" because I believe the future of this area depends on the kind of educational opportunity we provide our children in environmentally supportive structures.

With all this yes and no business, I am really hard pressed to remember which is what, much like the old Abbott and Costello routine.

COMPETITION AMERICAN STYLE

I had heard that the 40Th International School Bus Driver Competition was being held here in St. Louis. Something about an international anything sounds exciting and exotic. I had to see it, even though I was unsure where it was being held. I did find dozens of yellow buses on a lot in the shadow of Busch Stadium, home of the Cardinals. The first person I encountered directed me to the officials tent to get answers to my questions.

Drivers from 33 states and Canada were participating and given a written exam the day before the two-day event. On the second day, drivers needed to navigate a course with 17 obstacles. One obstacle in particular caught my eye. Drivers had to navigate a small space marked off by regular size tennis balls without touching the balls. As I watched the proceedings, I was taking notes in a small book. Curious, I asked how many women were among the 110 drivers.

The official noticed my small book. I was informed that The National School Transportation Association of School Bus Drivers was an Equal Opportunity Employer. We both laughed. I never did learn the exact number of women, but I was glad to have added this to my repertoire of information about American Competitions.

DANIEL SCHORR: A PERSONAL REFLECTION

Though I did not know him, the death of Daniel Schorr was a shock and left me feeling as if I had had a personal loss. Whenever I heard that he would be on NPR, I would stop what I was doing to listen to him.

I was always struck by his ability to accept and analyze the news in a straight forward way without rancor. He recounted his firsthand participation in historical events spanning nearly a century in a mater-of-fact way, without ego. He was able to draw striking verbal descriptions of similarities and differences between past events and current ones.

His tough questioning of public policy and officials, and his demand for excellence and integrity in his news reporting was demonstrated in his respect for allowing factual information speak for itself. In so doing he encouraged me, as his listener to question the accuracy and use of all information.

Dan Schorr's quiet voice was for me one of reason, respect, and fairness. I shall miss his guidance through the rough times ahead.

OLD TRICKS NEVER, EVER FADE AWAY.

St. Louis may seem a long way from the environmental tragedy going on in the Gulf of Mexico. Yet, for me it seems closer. This great Mississippi River that runs along our banks has been married to the Gulf a long time. The River feeds the wetlands that give shelter to a Universe of living creatures who in turn protect and feed fish, fowl, people and the Gulf waits expectantly for the River to nourish it.

It seemed to me, that a moratorium for offshore drilling could provide a respite from some of the cruelty we have viciously unleashed on what was once an environmental and geographic marvel. It could also provide time to ask ourselves, how far should we push the technological envelope and for what reason?

So it was with horror that I read Ian Urbina's report (NYT 6-24) that BP, three miles off the coast of Alaska ".. is moving ahead with a controversial and potentially record setting project to drill two miles under the sea and then six to eight miles horizontally to reach what is believed to be a 100-million-barrel reservoir of oil under federal waters.

"State and federal environmental permits have been granted as an 'on shore' project: because it sits on an artificial island - a 31-acre pile of gravel in about 22 feet of water - built by BP. BP has yet to file its final application to federal regulators to begin drilling, which it expects to start in the fall."

The trick of "creating land" with gravel is not new. It can be seen by the number of existing businesses, piers and homes built on gravel up and down the Inland Water Way. But this one takes the cake! Maybe federal and state regulators ought to take a trip along the Inland Water Way before they grant anymore waivers for BP's "off shore" drilling.

LANGUAGE: FAMILIAR AND OTHERWISE

I speak, read and write in English. Thanks to immigrant grandparents, I understand most Yiddish, but I am unable to speak or read it with great fluency. My understanding of the Spanish and Latin language that I took in school was less than satisfactory. But when I hear a foreign language spoken I know it is not English and I am never shy about asking what it is.

Recently I overheard strangers having an animated conversation in a language I did not recognize. When I could, I asked what language it was they were speaking. I was told it was Amharic, the Ethiopian Language. From that I learned that they had immigrated to America about six years ago. Asked what brought them to St. Louis, they said other family who had settled here.

After our brief conversation, I realized there is much to learn from the many languages spoken in our country. And much to learn about the many rich cultures that language represents, none of it belittling to English nor to America's history.

LEAD, COMPROMISE, AND NEGOTIATE

I am interviewing people in the corporate and not for profit fields for an article I am writing. I ask them about their experience. Then we discuss management issues that could be applicable to both fields.

At the end of one interview, my subject and I began to speak of our grandchildren and the pleasure they bring. He is especially close with his youngest granddaughter. They speak almost every day by telephone. On the child's eight birthday, he promised to take her to New York for her sixteenth birthday. He told her it would be a private trip for just the two of them. He was describing all the things they could see and do when his granddaughter interrupted him. "But grandpa, I am eight! That means I will have to wait the whole rest of my life until I am sixteen!" He paused for a moment and proposed a compromise. "Then let's do it on your 12th birthday." The offer was accepted with enthusiasm.

Whether he realized it or not, he had just given me a short parable about an important principle for successful management, lead, compromise and negotiate.

THE PLEASURE OF SMALL STORES

Recently, my digital wrist watch was not keeping time. I asked a number of friends if they knew where I might find a small watch repair shop. All directed me to a suburban mall. When it comes to services like watch repair, or shoe repair, or even gifts I prefer a small shop.

I was complaining to my grandson Hoben that I had been without a wrist watch for nearly two weeks because I could not find a small watch repair shop. We were in the car. He suggested a shop that might be helpful on the road we were on.
We stopped there. Sure enough, the watch repair men were sitting in a glass enclosure with their special glasses and head gear working away diligently. Jewelry counters, antique furniture and music boxes of all sorts filled the rest of the store.

As I waited for my watch, we spotted a standing music box. We were able to see through the glass door. The box contained about 6 or 7 metal discs. Each disc was about 18" inches round with holes in it much like old player piano rolls, only the metal discs were standing upright. We wound it up. When the 1882 music box worked, we were delighted and fascinated by the machinery running it.

For my money, it is only in small, out of the way shops that one can have such an unexpected experience. And all I wanted to do was replace a digital battery for my wrist watch.

REMEMBERING GOOD TIMES AND SAD

Memorial Day is a day for picnics, colorful displays of crepe paper and balloons adorning children's wagons and home-made floats. Across the country, fire engines come down neighborhood streets, blowing their get out of my way horns, and firemen wave to the small crowds as they pass. I am reminded of all this by a small picture of my grandchildren taken seven years ago as they were decorating their float.

It is a day when middle-aged men and women can be seen on the streets, in cars and buses wearing military caps representing the military unit of the war(s) in which they served. Memorial Day is a celebration of our courage and our willingness to overcome the good war, bad war rhetoric and pay homage to the men and women who gave and give their lives in battle.

At the same time, it is a day when children will call us from a picnic blanket to play ball, or fly a kit, or read a story, or seek our praise for something they have discovered in the ground, on a stone, or in the water. Memorial Day, regardless of the weather or national crisis, is a day when we can enjoy that which we have and be grateful for the wonder of where we are.

THE HORROR UNFOLDS AND CONTINUES

Forty years ago the first Earth Day was held. At the time, I became interested in the wetlands. I was and still am fascinated by the productivity of these lands. They play a crucial role as nesting areas for fish, foul, and birds. They protect our coasts against violent storms. They share their bounty of seafood with people, markets and wildlife.

For more than a month I have watched and read with horror the cold blooded reports of lives lost, the wetlands and businesses decimated as oil comes belching out of a ruptured pipeline a mile deep into the Gulf of Mexico.

Rube Goldberg type of remedies have been suggested and tried to stop the flow, but did not. Representatives of governmental agencies and the oil drilling industry have been appointed by Congress and the White House to learn what went wrong. Yet, in the middle of all this, there are few voices suggesting that land and sea will no longer tolerate our arrogant abuses, or that we will have to alter the way we live.

I hope a way is found to stop the flow. But as I write this, the newspapers report that another oil rig is drilling off Alaska in the Arctic Ocean. A sign on the rig says, "Drill, Baby, Drill!"

IS CREATIVITY SHUNNED FOR THE FAMILIAR?

I belong to "Booksters." As the name implies, we are a group of women who get together every five weeks to discuss and select a book we read. The books we read are not necessarily current titles. As an example, recently we read "Haroun and the Sea of Stories," a novel by Salman Rushdie, first published in America in 1990.

When I started this book, the names of people and places seemed to be testing my imaginative agility. Many of them were derived from Hindustani words which were foreign and confusing. As I read on, I realized many of the verses were quite musical and begged to be sung. Strange names or not,I would have enjoyed reading the fast paced adventures out loud to a young child.

It was an enriching experience to read this small book with the strange title. It encouraged me to leave the mundane and go to places I may not have known. Yet, this author, musicians and artists are shunned because of artistic creativity. Is it because they urge us to go beyond the familiar and explore places which are different?

HARRY S. TRUMAN'S BIRTHDAY: MAY 8, 1884

Today is the birthday of Harry S. Truman who served as our 33rd President after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Truman was a controversial president. When he took office, he was derided because he was "nothing more" than a failed men's store owner who spent years paying off his debts. In the 21st Century, he might have been called an entrepreneur, though a failed one.

During Truman's Presidency, he gave the order to drop two atomic bombs on Japan which ended World War II. He strengthened our country's policy of civilian control over the military when he fired a military General for failing to adhere to that policy. He held himself accountable to his fellow citizens and announced it with a sign on his desk that read "The buck stops here." His actions proved his word. He spoke truth to power and often seemed in constant battle with Congress. He carried himself as a plain speaking, thoughtful man who delighted in his family, his morning walks and his Missouri heritage. He wasn't known for patience with others or himself when he may have miss spoken or made a poor judgement call.

Yet, I scoured my morning paper for some acknowledgement of Truman and his birth date. There was none. I do know that a few weeks ago, in the midst of a busy, legialative season, the Missouri legislature was trying to overturn a Bill that provides a day of Commemoration for their native son. I know that a few years back a 9 billion Congressional Bill for restoration work by the US National Park Service was stalled because Congress objected to the 1.4 million that would apply to restoring Truman's birthplace, farm and museum.

Reflecting on all this, I wondered if it was anger over the outcome of the loss of Dewey to Truman of so many years ago that kept Missouri from recognizing its native son?

LIFE LONG LEARNING EXPERIENCE?

When I arrived in St. Louis, I took a weekly course on the Bible which I still attend. Shortly thereafter I added a six-week course on the Greek Philosophers given by Washington University's Life Long Learning Institute, and this season, I enrolled in a course on Politics at the Institute.

Fellow students range in age from 50 to a gentleman in his 90s. All represent an impressive range of experience, professions and life styles. Some still pursue careers. Some work part time. Others are retired. Some have children and grandchildren. Our dress is eclectic. Suits and ties, dresses and heels, Jeans and sneakers, canes and walkers, wheel chairs, hearing aids are worn and used.

In all my classes I am struck by the similarity of the people here in the mid West to those in the East. I've learned that the Mississippi may divide us geographically but we share the same emotional and laissez-faire opinions about religion and politics as are heard and seen in the East. All of us are as susceptible to reaching conclusions without reason as are the most brilliant among us.

I wonder, doesn't our life long learning experience tell us better?

JUSTICE STEVENS, THE COURT AND PEOPLE

The Supreme Court may seem distant and removed, but the way this august body interprets our laws through its Justices has an enormous impact on each of our lives. The men and women who serve on it represent different points of view. Through their collective decisions and behavior they can strengthen or denigrate this nation and its people.

When Justice John Paul Stevens announced his intention to resign after 34 years as a Jurist of the Supreme Court, a number of former clerks who served him described his integrity and his ability to learn and grow as a Jurist and as a person. These accounts spoke of a man humble enough to listen, eager to learn how the application of laws affect the lives of ordinary people, and a Jurist who viewed laws and courts as protectors of The Constitution and its citizens.

Would that the person who fills Justice Stevens Chair on the Supreme Court have these same qualities.

THE WEATHER REDEEMS ITSELF!

The past few days have have been lovely here. Flowers and tree buds are blooming, never mind the allergies. Birds are chirping and singing. Some to claim territory, others seeking a mate. On the streets,I meet a group of people back from running the 26.2 mile St. Louis Marathon along with 12,500 other competitors. They are panting, sweaty and wearing their medals. Glad they had participated, but not anxious to try again next year.

Families are out. Pushing carriages with tots skipping and running ahead until something stops the children in their tracks. A carpenter making repairs on a house is coming down a ladder. He interrupts his climb down to talk to the children about what he is doing and what his tools are. They are intrigued with him. He explains why his belt has so many tools on it, and why he needs such a large wheel barrel. The parents, who have walked ahead, call to the children who run to them, animated with all they have learned.

The small scene reminds me how wonderful an ordinary neighborhood street, when safe, can be as a learning place for children and all of us when the weather is good.

WHEN THINGS GET OUT OF HAND

Sometimes when the country is in an ugly mood, as it is now, it is hard to find words that can urge reason. Elected officials and sensible voters lend their patronage to organizations that espouse fanaticism, misinformation and calls for violence. What to do? I went to the Internet to find what three of my favorite American Philosophers had to say about all this to their fellow citizens.

From Will Rogers, born on a large ranch in the Cherokee Nation, now known as Oologah, Oklahoma: "We elect our Presidents, be they Republican or Democrat, then start daring 'em to make good."

From Mark Twain, son of Missouri: "Where prejudice exists, it always discolors our thoughts."

From Yogi Barri, born here in St.Louis, dealing with the jealousy that losing sometimes produces: " You wouldn't have won if we had beaten you."

Maybe a rereading of Roger, Twain and Barri, could help us understand what we are doing to ourselves as a nation when we resort to threats and violence.

READING BODY LANGUAGE

Much is said about the importance of understanding and using body language in communications. For all of its importance, I sometimes find myself unwittingly mislead by it.

A newly wed couple live down the hall from me. He is a medical resident. She is a computer programmer. On some mornings, we meet each other on the way to work. Most of the time, they come down the hall with a light step and walking very close to each other. One morning,I noticed that they walked down the hall as if they did not know each other. Their shoulders were heavy with what I assumed must have been the weight of an argument. One walked behind the other. Their body language communicated, they were a troubled couple.

Later I learned that both had a week of exhausting heavy work that they brought home with them. My assumption based on their body language was totally wrong. It was then that I thought of an old professor of mine, admonishing me before I wrote anything to verify, verify, verify. Would that today's news pundits did the same!

CHICKENS AND KING SOLOMON

Clayton is a suburban community in St. Louis' Central West End. It has its own government which is run by a Board of Aldermen . Because of neighborly disputes, the Board is trying to come up with a new "chicken ordinance." The last one was written 40 years ago and does not provide standards, procedures for obtaining permits, or inspection of chicken coops.

Clayton seems to be reflecting a national trend to raise chickens in urban environments . If a community does not have a chicken ordinance, it could be in for a long siege of public hearings with growing numbers of pro and anti chicken advocates, neighbors shouting at each other, carrying signs, and live chickens prancing about to display their healthy estrogen to all.

In the Bible, King Solomon is depicted as a wise King able to solve difficult disputes. The chicken dispute unfolding in Clayton may need a King Solomon to resolve wisely, especially about Roosters and their early morning wake-up calls.

MOSCOW SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra played Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy here in St. Louis early in March. The program was held in the Cathedral Basilica. For me it was quite an experience.

The Orchestra's musicians tried their best to coax their score into the high domes of the Cathedral. None the less, one could almost imagine William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the ill fated lovers in the huge space. The marble columns, altars laid with one of the world's largest collections of mosaics, the statuary, and the nooks and crannies provided a sense that we were not that far removed in time.

The Pews that served as our seats were hard. The floor was cold. But the violinist chased the discomfort away with a flourish of her bow. The musician's youth and vigor seemed to overcome the vast space and the audience responded in kind to Tchaikovsky's musical tribute to Russian life.

DEAR MOTHER NATURE,

I write in hope I can ameliorate your anger.

Since last year, you have demonstrated your displeasure with the way we have fulfilled our stewardship for the nurturing and care of our Planet. We understand that our species have the privilege of enjoying your bounty.

Yet, we do not respect places our species does not belong. We do not heed the warnings you give us from time to time to be more vigilant. We regret the profiteering of some of us without regard for not only our species, but for animals and our natural resources as well. For all this, we apologize and promise to try to do better.

But Mam, could you please hurry Spring?

FUNNY PAGES OR THE TRUTH?

Political cartoonists have the ability to help us better understand political issues and consequences. Throughout history, cartoons have had an enormous impact on readers. Some cartoonists have been vilified, others admired for their forthrightness. Either way, a good cartoon usually does not go unnoticed.

Today, most cartoonists are identified by a single name. Herblock who before his death in 2001 was seen in the Washington Post, was a Pulitzer Prize winner known throughout the country. Auth of the Philadelphia Inquirer, and so many others with the ability to tweak our thinking with serious statements of humor and absurdity. I was reminded of this when I saw Matson's cartoon in today's St. Louis, Post-Dispatch.

Figures called "REASON,COMPROMISE,BIPARTISANSHIP" are directing a boat load of donkeys and elephants. They are leaving people yelling for help and stranded on a rock called "HEALTH CARE SUMMIT." The caption read, "KEEP ROWING! COVER YOUR EARS! IT'S A TRAP!!" Funny pages or the truth?

WHITEWASHING BLURRING REALITY?

I learned about a practice known as "Whitewashing" from Sarah Pritchard, children's buyer for Left Bank Books here in the Central West End.

Major publishers like Bloomsbury USA and Little Brown Company change the color of characters illustrated in their books to white for the cover. Publishers claim that when a person of color, unless well known, is on the cover, it cuts down on book sales. I saw one book with a bus load of all white children on its cover. Inside the book there were illustrations of children of all colors.

This is an insidious, common practice by some publishers that blurs our understanding of children and people of color in our community, if not the world. I signed the store's petition to have publishers stop this practice even as I wondered, do readers notice? Do we even care? Or do we find it more comfortable to live and read about colors we know?

NOT MY GRANDMOTHER'S TEA PARTY

In the winter my grandmother drank her tea out of a glass. She had lovely china, but she enjoyed warming her hands on the hot glass. Grandma was the matriarch of the family. She was an insatiable reader and believed that education was an imperative. Yet, she could not stand people who had all the answers, especially when she knew they were wrong.

She was a staunch Democrat. If anyone in the family was a Republican, she would want to know why? Then she would tell the upstart why the Democrats were better for the people and this country. When a pompous doctor asked if she knew who was the president? She answered, "Yes, don't you?"

I don't think she would have joined the Tea Party nor been fooled by quick answers. I am sure she would have told everybody to listen to the president. He is working for you and the country. And yeah, calm down and pour yourself a glass of hot tea.

CYLDESDALE/JOKES AND WATER COOLERS?

The first time I saw a Clydesdale horse in person, it was waiting, patiently standing in a lot next to a non-descript bar in Upper Darby, PA. I was coming back from the airport and there it was standing next its trailer and the trainer who had brought him for a special event. I had seen the horse before on television, but to see this animal in the flesh was a real treat.

Yesterday, it was announced that the Clydesdale would no longer take part in the Super Bowl Commercials. Even though they were featured in about ten Super Bowl game commercials before. The new producer and some beverage industry consultant explained that the commercials with the horses would not create the water cooler buzz a humorous one would.

Now with everything else to be considered, I wondered if a one-liner at the water cooler will be remembered longer than watching those magnificent horses?

OTHER BIG KIDS ON THE BLOCK?

Recently, I read a columnist's account of his life when he was 14 growing up here in Missouri. He spoke of the freedom to explore the country side on his bicycle. He concluded by saying, he doesn't think that technology has anything to do with the difference between who we were then, and who we are now. He wrote that he wasn't sure what it was, but something was changing in our country. I am not sure either, but I have given it some thought.

For a long time, we thought of ourselves as invincible. We were hard workers, scientists who excelled, farmers who grew the healthiest crops,and we produced quality products. We built the most modern buildings, affordable homes and the trains ran on time. Two great oceans protected us East and West. Our neighbors North and South of us, for the most part, were friendly. Unions grew stronger to overcome corporate greed and newspapers flourished. Even so, throughout our history, people were abused by some of our systems.

Suddenly we were confronted with other "kids" who wanted our "toys." In some cases we had the "new kids" build them. Just as many countries throughout the world, gave up a policy of colonization, we began to look for colonies of our own, even though it cost us human and material treasure. Our farms became factories, and we suddenly found ourselves angry. Angry at the new kids. Angry at the loss of jobs and homes. Angry at being taken in by our leaders. Angry with ourselves and others.

We have abandoned trust in ourselves, in others, in our ability to reason, and we are angry. It's time to recall our trust in ourselves, trust in others, to reason and drop our fear of the future and the other "kids on the block

FOGGY BOTTOM OR ST. LOUIS?

About ten days ago, fog rolled in and encompassed the area. It came with torrential rain storms and lighting. Some times the fog was so thick I could not see the Cathedral from my 15Th floor perch. It is still here.

On New Jersey's shore, fog usually rolled in from the ocean for an acceptable amount of time. The fog there knew her place. After a short visit, she picked up her skirts, and the smell of oysters washed up on the beach, and went someplace else.

I am not that well versed on how atmospheric pressures interact to produce fog. But I do wish they would interact someplace else other than St. Louis.

HAITI : GOING BEYOND NATIONALISM

Here in St.Louis, the horror of the earthquake in Haiti and its toll on people is featured daily in local newspapers, on radio and television. Synagogues, churches, schools and The Symphony Orchestra, along with supermarkets, restaurants and other specialty shops are raising money for the rescue effort.

Families seeking news about missing relatives use cellphones, or twitter or anything that could help bring them word of what is happening. Some get good news. Some get news of incomprehensible loss. Organizations, such as "Meds and Food for Kids" and "Wings of Hope" and others stationed here in St. Louis are working to get through with relief efforts. None of this is unique or exceptional. The whole world has come together to help lessen the awful plight of people without resources who have been hit by the full fury of nature.

In doing so, Haiti, in its hour of need, has made all of us citizens of the global community.

P. T. BARNUM AND THE WORLD'S TALLEST BUILDING

In 1881 P.T. Barnum, co-founder of the Barnum and Bailey Circus, coined the phrase, "There's a sucker born every minute."

On January 4, 2010, the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, 160 floors high in Dubai, Arab Emirates opened to much hoopla. It has all the amenities one could imagine for luxurious living. Fifty-four elevators, reaching speeds of 40 miles per hour take visitors up to the observation deck for views that reach 60 miles. Since its opening, more than 10,000 people have come to see it and take the ride to the observation deck for which there is a hefty charge.

Ten days later, after its glitzy opening, another report was much grimmer. Occupancy in other buildings in the area is down, planned construction site machinery are still, and much of the landscaped areas are overgrown. One visitor, unfazed by the telltale signs of down turn explained that Dubai's success comes from risk taking and that won't change.

That's when I remembered Barnum's famous quote: "There's a sucker born every minute."

GUNS: PROTECTORS OR DESTROYERS?

This morning, January 7, we awoke to a bright sun shimmering on the snow and ice and with the news that a man with a shotgun and a hand gun had walked into a large electrical supply complex, shot five people, killed three and may have shot himself. The news broke so fast, that we are uncertain about numbers, motives or even who the perpetrator is/was.

When I listen to arguments that it is un American or against the Constitution to want to curtail the sale of weapons to private citizens, I listen in disbelief. Webster Groves, once a quiet suburban area, home to 23,000 plus people, has now lost lives and a way of life because somehow a gun was in the wrong man's hands.

Yet, we continue to accept the unacceptable ownership of weapons which can turn a quiet snowy morning into a morning of horror.